According to a Harris Poll taken in October of 2015, only a third of Americans say they are truly happy. That’s too bad, considering that Americans – especially folks in Texas – don’t really have it too bad, in the grand scheme of things.

But, we were curious – which Texas cities might be the most miserable? We’re about to find out, using science and data.

After analyzing the largest cities, we sadly present the most miserable cities in the Lone Star State:

How We Measured The Most Miserable Cities In Texas

In order to rank the unhappiest places in Texas, we had to determine what criteria makes people happy. It isn’t a stretch to assume that happy people earn great salaries, are relatively stress free, and have a stable home life.

So we went to the Census’s American Community Survey 2010-2014 report for the criteria, flipped the list, and it spit out the answer. Like magic.

We threw a lot of criteria at this one in order to get the best, most complete results possible:

8. San Diego

9. Linden

10. Dallas

Population: 1,240,985People Who Own Their Home: 38.17%Married Adults: 39.59%

There You Have It

Like we said earlier, trying to determine the most miserable cities in {state} is usually a subjective matter. But if you’re analyzing cities where people are not stable, where you’re stuck in traffic, and no one spent the time to go to college, then this is an accurate list.

If you’re curious enough, here are the happiest cities in {state}, according to science:
For more Texas reading , check out:

14 thoughts on “These Are The 10 Most Miserable Cities In Texas”

I happen to be the mayor of San Elizario and I can attest, we are NOT miserable. As my cousin (and constituent) who made me aware of this article stated, “I think this is bull!”

I left a gorgeous life in Culver City, CA to move specifically to San Elizario and it was the best decision I’ve ever made! Our boys soccer and cross country teams recently won state titles (X-country already repeated, boys soccer will too!) and we have the most quaint–not to mention historic–downtown in ALL of Texas!

Just wait, we will soon be making “best of” lists because GOOD things are happening in San Eli!

You do realize that the criteria was faulty to begin with, as Commerce is a town that is half college students, who by definition are usually single and LIVING ON CAMPUS? Even the ones that don’t are somewhat transitory, as they are STUDENTS??

I do realize this. I also realize this site is dedicated to “finding” the negative in cities across the country–and I use the term loosely because not much effort goes into their findings. Lastly, I get they exist to try to get a rise out of people that potentially gets some attention but given the opportunity to sing my town’s praises, I always will.

This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen. “After analyzing the largest cities”…seriously?! With the exception of Dallas, these are some of the smallest cities in the state. You’ve shared the population of each town, did you not notice this?! Granted some of these towns aren’t great (a few I’ve never even heard of), many small towns aren’t centers of industry, THAT’S WHY THEY’RE SMALL! Commutes are long and income is low. Do the general public a favor and next time you do “a scientific study” don’t publish it.

Good Morning from Linden, Texas!
We’d like to invite you all to our hometown for Wildflower Trails & Rodeo, April 23, 2016!
You’ve given us an idea for a new festival in the Fall for the last Weekend in September: Depression Days in Deep East Texas!
Surviving hard times and flourishing!
Stay tuned!
Emily Henderson
Linden Economic Development Corporation

Obviously, as President/Chairman of the Board of the Greater Cleveland, Texas Chamber of Commerce, I do not agree with Mr. Nick James definition of “miserable” and his cold census statistical, manipulative application of it to Cleveland, Texas. However, I will avoid the never-ending battle of who is right and who is wrong, as we often see in our polarized world. I simply want to invite everyone who reads this response, including Mr. James, to come and visit the Cleveland, Texas area and see for yourself if we are miserable. I want to you to come to our July 4th Celebration and challenge you to compare our patriotism and our happiness in being American citizens. I invite you to be a part of our Hometown Christmas on the first Saturday of December and feel and experience the joy and true warmth of the season from Cleveland area residents. Become a true Texan and enjoy our Rodeo in April, where we gather together for a good time and some fine Texas fellowship. Each year, we’ll show you how we care about each other and you when we raise an average of $85,000 for American Cancer Society research, now going on 14 years at Relay for Life, and show our gratefulness for blessings at the Community Thanksgiving Service. Every day, the 76,000 people in the Greater Cleveland, Texas area have many of the same feelings about life, which are experienced by most of Americans, but I would say that satisfaction, joy and happiness are at the top of the list. But don’t take my word for it. Visit our websites at clevelandtxchamber.com

J. Andrew Rice, President/Chairman of the Board
Greater Cleveland, Texas Chamber of Commerce and
Lifelong resident of the Greater Cleveland, Texas Area

I agree. I live between Cleveland and Coldspring. And love both cities. It’s has that small hometown atmosphere where the community always support one another. I call their ratings rubbish. How can someone judge a town by just looking and then writing about it. They should have to actually live there for that privilege.

DUMB!! I know people in many of these small towns and have family in Dallas. This is a Dumb article. Where you live becomes what you personally make it. I know this from having lived in many different places in my life.

I worked in Cleveland from Louisiana ad a powerline contractor for years. I have to disagree with this article because the people in Cleveland and surrounding areas are extremely friendly and happy! So much so that I had considered moving there since our job was a long term project. I ended up getting promoted and was transferred to a new area just north of Silsbee.